North of Perpignan
Leucate: from cliffs to lagoon
Leucate, is known for its world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, it hosts the renowned Mondial du Vent event. Explore scenic trails on the cliffs, spot flamingos in the lagoon, and stroll through the charming Leucate Village. Indulge in fresh oysters from local shacks while taking in stunning seaside views.
Peyriac-de-Mer: hiking the wooden pontoons
Go through the old salt flats over the photogenic wooden pontoons to the Doul lagoon, then continue up the hill of Mour to enjoy an incredible 360° view of the lagoons, sea and mountains.
Link to the tourism office website.
Eel tasting in Bages
North of Peyriac-de-Mer on the way to Narbonne, we recommend stopping by Bages for a lunch at Le Portanel. This old style restaurant is known for its 45€ eel tasting menu offering 7 types of eel preparations served over multiple courses and paired with regional wines. A must-try!
Medieval day trip to Carcassonne
Explore the Old Town medieval fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its double-walled fortifications, 52 towers, and narrow cobblestone streets. As you stroll through the city, stop by one of the restaurants to try out a regional specialty like cassoulet, a traditional slow-cooked casserole.
As you walk down to Lower Town, cross the Aude river through the Old Bridge for a beautiful shot with the Castle in the background, then continue up to the Canal Du Midi, another UNESCO World Heritage site, for a relaxing boat ride on this historic canal.
South of Perpignan
Collioure: unique and unforgettable
After strolling through Old Town and its colorful houses, stop by the Royal Castle with its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, before taking a scenic walk along the coastal path.
Visit the regional tourism page on Collioure.
Cadaqués, hidden gem of the Spanish Costa Brava
With its rocky coast and quite coves, hidden within the Cap de Creus Natural Park, Cadaqués is one of the most symbolic places on the Gironese Costa Brava.
At the head of Cadaqués bay is its historic quarter, with a Mediterranean air and deep seaside flavour. The source of inspiration for internationally famous painters and artists for decades, today this centre enjoys an intense cultural life, as witnessed by its many museums and art galleries, among which the Salvador Dalí House-Museum is outstanding.
Roses, Spain: From Ancient Colony to Modern Tourist Gem
Roses, located on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Originally founded by the Greeks around the 5th century BC as the colony of Rhode, it became an important trading post. The Romans later occupied it, leaving significant archaeological remains, including a citadel and a necropolis.
During the Middle Ages, Roses was fortified to protect against pirate attacks. The construction of the impressive Citadel of Roses began in the 16th century under Charles V to defend against Turkish and French invasions. The town played a strategic military role throughout history, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars.
Today, Roses is known for its historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant tourism, blending its ancient heritage with modern attractions.
Figeres, Spain: Cultural Hub and Home to Salvador Dalí
Known as the home of Salvador Dalí, this town with deep Catalan roots offers visitors the chance to go to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, dedicated to the genius of surrealist painting. It is a cultural range completed with various museums and a calendar full of festivals and events divided up throughout the year.
Figueres also has an important heritage of monuments, among which the old medieval walls and the castle of Sant Ferran are outstanding, as well as examples of Modernist and Neoclassical architecture which appear dotted around the city centre.
Begur: Medieval charm and crystal-clear coves
Although the town of Begur isn’t in front of the sea, it sits close to it, around 2 km from the coastline. On the emerald coves, you can spend the day exploring the seabed, sunbathing, hiking the coastal paths in the area, or kayaking to hidden caves. Back on dry land, you’ll find exquisite food, lovely boutiques, and Begur’s impressive medieval castle.
Inland and the Pyrenees Mountain
Villefranche-de-Conflent, one of the most beautiful villages of France and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This ancient merchant town, capital of the Conflent has conserved its wonderful history and status as a defensive site. Villefranche-de-Conflent is one of the 50 most visited places in France, due to its rich heritage.
You can visit the ramparts and Viguerie tower built by the Count of Cerdagne in the 11th century, then reinforced by Vauban’s fortifications in the 17th century ; the Fort Libéria that was recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the shops and houses of aristocrats or rich merchants, and St. Jacques’ Romanesque Church with its rich furnishings. Close by, do not miss the Petites and Grandes Canalettes caves formed by concretion, and the cave named Cova Bastera, also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Vauban’s network.
The authenticity of this medieval site makes it a favorite for the development of traditional and commercial activities.
Villefranche-de-Conflent is also the Yellow Train’s starting point, a symbol of Catalonia and its colours that it proudly bears, a technical prowess that historically linked Cerdanya’s high plains to the rest of the region. Today the Yellow Train is a tourist attraction which is as surprising as unmissable.
See: Forts, Witches, and a Medieval Mountain Village: Day Trip to Villefranche-de-Conflent
The Yellow Train
Built at the start of the century, the Yellow Train line was originally conceived to link the high Catalan plateaus’ to the rest of the department. Initial works were undertaken in 1903 and by 1910 a link had been created between Villefranche de Conflent and Mont-Louis.
At a maximum speed of 55 km per hour, the Yellow Train climbs from an altitude of 427 meters to 1,231 meters, which makes it the highest metric railway line in France. It is perfect to enjoy the environment and spectacular mountainous terrain.
During the summer you can appreciate the spectacular mountain landscapes from open carriages that offer you exceptional views.
We recommend booking a few weeks ahead and plan a round trip from Villefranche – Vernet-les-Bains to Mont-Louis – La Cabanasse. See screenshot and link below to reserve your trip!
See more info on the official Yellow Train website
Book your ticket online on the SNCF Connect website
